The new €1.3 billion investment through the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) for the 2025–2027 period comes at a time when the EU is intensifying its efforts to secure leadership in strategic tech sectors and reduce dependencies on non-European providers. This funding will help accelerate the uptake of cutting-edge technologies across the continent - supporting innovation, digital transformation, and resilience in both public and private sectors.
The 2025-2027 Work Programme of the Digital Europe Programme (DIGITAL) marks the final phase of the current Multiannual Financial Framework (2021–2027). It is designed to build on the progress of previous work programmes, with a strong focus on completing and ensuring the long-term sustainability of key initiatives - such as advancing various data spaces from their preparatory stages to full-scale deployment.
Key Priorities for 2025-2027
The 2025-2027 DIGITAL work programme (WP) outlines several priority areas that will directly support Europe’s digital goals (technologies, infrastructures and other capacities and capabilities that are strategically important for Europe’s future):
1. Artificial Intelligence, Common Data Spaces and AI Factories
A significant portion of the funding will go toward developing and deploying generative AI solutions - especially in sectors such as healthcare and public services. This includes support for immersive virtual environments, the implementation of the AI Act, and the rollout of sectorial common data spaces based on the secure and energy-efficient federated cloud-to-edge infrastructure. These efforts are part of the broader AI Factories initiative, which aims to enable businesses and public bodies to use and benefit from advanced AI models.
2. Cybersecurity and Resilience
Given the rising threats to digital infrastructure, the programme also prioritises cybersecurity solutions, including the establishment of an EU Cybersecurity Reserve and by supporting the Cyber Resilience Act single reporting platform, while also, developing the next stage of Cybersecurity Skills Academy. These measures aim to improve the security and resilience of critical infrastructure - ranging from hospitals to submarine cables.
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💡TikoBits: Check how projects support Cyber Resilience Act
CRACoWi is an innovative project addressing the growing cybersecurity challenges in the European digital market. Developed in response to the European Commission’s Cyber Resilience Act, CRACoWi provides essential tools and support to help SMEs, manufacturers, distributors, and importers meet new cybersecurity standards throughout the product lifecycle. Follow project on LinkedIn
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3. Digital Skills and Education
To ensure long-term competitiveness, the Commission will invest in strengthening EU education and training systems, particularly in areas such as advanced digital skills, quantum technologies, and microelectronics. One of the key objectives of the Digital Decade is to substantially increase the number of ICT specialists in Europe by 2030, while also improving access to the field for women and boosting the number of ICT graduates. The goal is to attract and nurture talent and prepare the workforce for the digital economy.
4. European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs)
Support for the network of EDIHs will continue, helping SMEs and public administrations test digital technologies, receive technical guidance, and develop skills. EDIH services are now accessible across all EU Member States and most associated countries. This Work Programme further strengthens the network, aiming to maximise the impact by leveraging best practices from on-the-ground experience. The aim is to drive the adoption of AI and advanced digital tools across the entire EU economy.
5. Digital Transformation of Public Services
Additional funding will go toward modernising public administration, focusing on building high-quality, interoperable, and user-centric digital services. This includes implementing the EU Digital Identity Wallet and supporting the European Trust Infrastructure.
6. Destination Earth
The award-winning Destination Earth initiative will be scaled up with a more powerful digital twin of the planet, supporting climate adaptation, disaster risk management, and scientific research.
7. Collaboration
One of the objectives is to promote cross-border cooperation and Europe-wide digital transformation by backing multi-country initiatives and projects under the European Digital Infrastructure Consortia (EDICs). This includes facilitating cumulative or combined funding opportunities - enhanced by the introduction of the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP) Seal label.
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💡TikoBits: STEP Platform
This new DIGITAL work programme is closely tied to the Strategic Technologies for Europe Platform (STEP), which was officially launched in early 2024. STEP is a major EU initiative designed to mobilise funding and investment in critical technologies through a coordinated approach. Under the DIGITAL work programme, STEP will play a key role by awarding the STEP Seal to projects that align with the EU’s strategic priorities. This quality label recognises the importance of a project for Europe’s technological sovereignty and improves its chances of receiving funding - not just from DIGITAL, but also from other EU programmes and private investors.
Read more: STEP platform
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What’s Next?
The first DIGITAL calls under the 2025-2027 work programme have already been opened, with additional calls to be published throughout the year. The EU Funding & Tenders Portal will be the main access point for all application information, guidance documents, and deadlines.
Check open calls and forthcoming calls.
Organisations are encouraged to begin preparing their proposals early, especially if they aim to qualify for the STEP Seal. Understanding the specific rules of each funding instrument, aligning the project with strategic EU objectives, and gathering the right partnerships will be key to success.
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 💡TikoBits: New DIGITAL Calls - €140 Million to Boost Europe’s Digital Future!
The European Commission has launched four new calls under the Digital Europe Programme, worth €140 million, to accelerate the deployment of cutting-edge digital technologies across the EU. Here's what's in focus:
🔹 €55M to introduce Generative AI in public administration and agri-food, support regulatory compliance, semiconductors, and data spaces.
🔹 €27M to create four Digital Skills Academies focusing on AI, quantum, and virtual worlds.
🔹 €11M to expand the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) network and strengthen AI capabilities.
🔹 €47M to roll out next-gen digital tech, support Safer Internet Centres, and establish a European Network of Fact-Checkers with €5M in dedicated funding.
Deadline to apply: 2 September 2025
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Who Can Apply?
If your organisation is developing innovative AI tools, cybersecurity solutions, advanced digital skills programmes, or modern digital public services, you could be an ideal candidate for upcoming calls. Calls are open to businesses, public administrations, and other entities from EU Member States, EFTA/EEA countries, and countries associated to DIGITAL.
How to Get Ready?
If you are planning to apply for upcoming DIGITAL calls, we encourage you to contact us as soon as possible (send an email). Preparing in advance is essential to ensure eligibility, compliance with programme criteria, and strong positioning for funding success.
Our team is here to help you:
- Understand the relevance of your project
- Identify the most suitable EU programmes or/end calls
- Prepare the application package
- Position your project for STEP Seal eligibility
To sum things up - the European Commission’s €1.3 billion investment under the Digital Europe Programme is more than just funding - it is a clear message that Europe is committed to digital leadership, security, and sovereignty. By combining this with the STEP platform, the EU is creating an ecosystem where innovation can thrive, scale, and remain anchored in Europe.
If you’re building solutions that align with Europe’s strategic tech priorities, now is the time to get ready. Opportunities are coming - make sure you’re prepared to lead.